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#ProdChat – 05/02/2013 – Life-Work Balance

#ProdChat – 05/02/2013 – Life-Work Balance

This week we discussed what it means to have life-work balance. This was inspired by my recent podcast episode on http://prodpod.net (Episode 63). Enjoy!

  1. Jump onto #prodchat! We’re gearing up to get started in five minutes! #productivity
  2. #ProdChat just about to begin. Join us over there for the next hour. Tonight’s topic: Life/Work Balance. Should be a good one!
  3. Welcome, #productivity folks! Let’s start with intro’s. In a tweet, tell us about you! #prodchat
  4. Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly #productivity chat! Topic: Life-Work Balance. (My latest podcast is on the topic:  http://goo.gl/zaaNf 
  5. Going to be tough to talk about work/life balance, while sitting at work at 8:01 pm
    #prodchat
  6. Join us! // MT @rsidneysmith: Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly #productivity chat! Topic: Life-Work Balance.
  7. Join us! // MT @rsidneysmith: Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly #productivity chat! Topic: Life-Work Balance.
  8. Hello all! I’m a PhD student in Scottish history, trying to finish my dissertation while staying sane. Looking forward to this #prodchat!
  9. Hi, all! I’m Michelle. I’m a productivity and organizational enthusiast…ok, fanatic! ;) #prodchat
  10. Jim McCullen here, author of Control Your Day, a great book about email management, avid mountain biker, living in Richmond VA #prodchat
  11. @jjmccullen Hey, Jim! Well, I think you’ll have some keen insight for us on the chat! Welcome! #prodchat
  12. RT @michgunn: Hi, all! Im Michelle. Im a productivity and organizational enthusiast…ok, fanatic! ;) #prodchat
  13. MT @jjmccullen: Jim McCullen here, author of Control Your Day, a great book about email management, avid mountain biker, in RVA… #prodchat
  14. MT @jodiacampbell: Hello all! Im a PhD student in Scottish history, trying to finish my dissertation while staying sane. #prodchat
  15. Hello @rsideysmith and @michgunn, nice to see you both out here on the web #prodchat
  16. Please add #prodchat to your tweets. Questions will come as Q1, Q2, Q3, etc. Answer A1, A2, A3, etc. for readability!
  17. Q1: HOW DO YOU DEFINE LIFE-WORK BALANCE? DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE IT? #prodchat #productivity
  18. Q1: HOW DO YOU DEFINE LIFE-WORK BALANCE? DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE IT? #prodchat #productivity
  19. Q1: HOW DO YOU DEFINE LIFE-WORK BALANCE? DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE IT? #prodchat #productivity
  20. @michgunn Yup! I’m sure it will be enlightening for all of us. It’s a tough topic and we’re going to tackle it tonight! *grunts* #prodchat
  21. I am a Writer. I write about productivity and tricks todo what really matters. #prodchat
  22. @rsidneysmith Thanks! It’s been a crazy few weeks, so I’m v. interested in the topic AND the fact that you put life before work. #prodchat
  23. @profkrg Hey, Kenna! I’m doing great. And, it’s great to have you here, as always! :-D #prodchat
  24. @jodiacampbell Yes, I very much believe in the order of “life-work…” #prodchat
  25. @apinaud Hey, Augusto! Welcome to the chat! Hope you’re doing well! #prodchat
  26. A1 Life work balance for me means to be able to enjoy my family while I am able to feel satisfied with the work I do #prodchat
  27. A1 Life work balance for me means to be able to enjoy my family while I am able to feel satisfied with the work I do #prodchat
  28. A1: I define life-work balance as feeling fulfilled and motivated to get out of bed every day excited to face it! #prodchat
  29. A1: I actually don’t believe in work/life balance. I call it work/life negotiation. I wrote about it here,  http://www.profkrg.com/the-work-life-balance-myth ifeprodchatdchat
  30. A1: I definitely don’t have a clear balance, but I am not sure I am looking for balance
    #prodchat
  31. Hello everyone, this is Myrlande, MC … Checking in! #prodchat
  32. MT @profkrg: A1: I dont believe in work/life balance. I call it work/life negotiation. I wrote about it:  http://www.profkrg.com/the-work-life-balance-myth ifeprodchatdchat
  33. A1 in any way means 50%-50% it means feel satisfied with both sides and felling fulfilled #prodchat
  34. A1 I think work/life balance is about the right mix of professional and personal stuff going on in your life. #prodchat
  35. RT @jjmccullen: A1: I definitely dont have a clear balance, but I am not sure I am looking for balance #prodchat
  36. RT @michgunn: A1 I think work/life balance is about the right mix of professional and personal stuff going on in your life. #prodchat
  37. Q2: WHETHER YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE LIFE-WORK BALANCE OR NOT, WHY? WHAT’S HELPING OR HURTING? #prodchat
  38. Q2: WHETHER YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE LIFE-WORK BALANCE OR NOT, WHY? WHAT’S HELPING OR HURTING? #prodchat
  39. Q2: WHETHER YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE LIFE-WORK BALANCE OR NOT, WHY? WHAT’S HELPING OR HURTING? #prodchat
  40. @profkrg Now I’ll have to update my show notes for the latest podcast episode to include your blog link! ;-) #prodchat
  41. I am good based on RT @rsidneysmith: A1: I define life-work balance as feeling fulfilled and motivated to get out bed every day #prodchat
  42. Hey Myrlande! Glad you could join us tonight! #prodchat
  43. Thank you! “@michgunn: Hey Myrlande! Glad you could join us tonight! #prodchat
  44. A2 I’m definitely working towards a good work/life balance now. Just a year ago I was all work all the time. Not good! :/ #prodchat
  45. A1 Life/work balance means not dreading getting out of bed every day for work & having enough time to enjoy my friends/family/dog. #prodchat
  46. A2: I think different things need more attention at different times. My lack of belief in balance may hurt my ability to find it. #prodchat
  47. A2: I think the things that help balance me is having a #productivity system, and my Weekly Review, planning forward…. #prodchat
  48. @michgunn My husband and I both probably are more work focused. Two workaholics in a family can be problematic at times. #prodchat
  49. A2 When I’m out of whack on the balance, it’s usually in favor of being a workaholic. Trying to keep that in check now #prodchat
  50. @michgunn I figured out early in life (college) that I have two speeds – full and off. I try to stay at full. #prodchat
  51. @profkrg Wait? Wouldn’t you be paying-per-click to me for referrals to your blog? LOL ;-P #prodchat
  52. @kelseymcf Hi, Kelsey. Welcome! I’m typically late for #prodchat. That probably says something…
  53. A2 No balance for me for awhile now. It’s all dissertation and teaching. It’s getting better, but it’s been tough getting there. #prodchat
  54. @michgunn But, it is out of enjoyment or a need to work (fear of being seen as non-team player, financial, other)? #prodchat
  55. @kelseymcf Hey, Kelsey! Not a worry…jump in and enjoy the conversation! :-) #prodchat
  56. @profkrg It’s funny, I was actually doing stuff for work so this chat is probably just what I need! #prodchat
  57. @jodiacampbell LOL. I’m at the office right now (7 p.m.) because I was making mega dissertation progress and didn’t want to leave. #prodchat
  58. RT @profkrg: @michgunn I figured out early in life (college) that I have two speeds – full and off. I try to stay at full. #prodchat
  59. @profkrg Ah! But the middle is important (or so I’ve heard…). I’m trying to find that middle ground. I’m much better at it now #prodchat
  60. @michgunn Maybe the middle is boring… let me know when you find it. ;) #prodchat
  61. @MCTheWriter I don’t feel like I have a very good balance because I always find myself talking about work and emailing after hours #prodchat
  62. @profkrg It’s hard to stop when things are going well! Of course, it’s hard to stop when they aren’t bc I try to force it. #prodchat
  63. @rsidneysmith I do enjoy my work. But I think it was more of a “productive” way to avoid things I was trying to avoid, AKA my life #prodchat
  64. @jodiacampbell Oh, it’s so easy for me to stop when they aren’t going well. Perhaps too easy. :/ #prodchat
  65. Thought-provoking! Oooooh! RT @profkrg: @michgunn Maybe the middle is boring… let me know when you find it. ;) #prodchat
  66. Wow, I just put that out there in the cyber universe… great. ;/ #prodchat
  67. @michgunn @rsidneysmith I do love avoidance as a coping mechanism. It’s my favorite one! #prodchat
  68. @profkrg Ah, yes. Sometimes it’s way too easy, but when I really need to produce, it gets worse bc I try to force productivity. #prodchat
  69. @jodiacampbell I had fabulous flow. I got a fair amount of writing done and it’s a teaching day for me. #winning #prodchat
  70. @jodiacampbell I decided long ago, that life was worth living if I went to bed exhausted and I awoke refreshed! #prodchat
  71. @jodiacampbell I decided long ago, that life was worth living if I went to bed exhausted and I awoke refreshed! #prodchat
  72. Actually, now that I’ve stopped the workaholic behavior, I’m reengaging in life, and I’m enjoying it #prodchat
  73. RT @rsidneysmith: @jodiacampbell I decided long ago, that life was worth living if I went to bed exhausted and I awoke refreshed! #prodchat
  74. #prodchat Balance is not having the feeling that my work tasks are hopelessly out of my control. Long live NextActions and Someday
  75. @michgunn That was an “Old School” quote, not me being a weirdo, FYI. #prodchat
  76. Q3: HOW DOES SOCIETY HELP OR HURT LIFE-WORK BALANCE, IN YOUR OPINION? #prodchat #productivity
  77. Q3: HOW DOES SOCIETY HELP OR HURT LIFE-WORK BALANCE, IN YOUR OPINION? #prodchat #productivity
  78. @kelseymcf you and I both! I have my emails attached to my phone; so I’m always sending or receiving email whenever or wherever. #prodchat
  79. Q3: HOW DOES SOCIETY HELP OR HURT LIFE-WORK BALANCE, IN YOUR OPINION? #prodchat #productivity
  80. @jodiacampbell We are… I’m just sure I’ll have new followers tomorrow like workaholics anonymous. ;) #prodchat
  81. @michgunn That’s really fantastic to hear! Has that helped or hurt your productivity any, do you think? #prodchat
  82. A3: Society hurts women for certain because there’s an expectation that we can have/do it all. Superwoman syndrome. #prodchat
  83. A3a: I’m a big personal responsibility person, so I believe you have full control, but I do believe there are societal pressures. #prodchat
  84. @michgunn @jodiacampbell That’s why I follow you, Michelle. Cheaper than therapy! ;) #prodchat
  85. @MCTheWriter I’m the worst at that! I hate waiting on email replies so I feel like I have to respond right when they come in #prodchat
  86. A3b: I think society has made workaholicism look like a talent not a disorder. #prodchat
  87. Like a positive attribute. Yes. RT @rsidneysmith: A3b: I think society has made workaholicism look like a talent not a disorder. #prodchat
  88. Agreed! MT @profkrg: A3: Society hurts women…because there’s an expectation that we can have/do it all. Superwoman syndrome. #prodchat
  89. :) RT @profkrg: @michgunn @jodiacampbell Thats why I follow you, Michelle. Cheaper than therapy! ;) #prodchat
  90. A3 Society makes it much worse, if you let it, because of constant pressure to go-go-go and do-do-do. Key is not buying into that. #prodchat
  91. @michgunn It’s fine if you’re actually superwoman. I so wish I remembered where I put my cape! #prodchat
  92. Q3: I agree with @profkrg. There’s pressure to get ahead at work and also in life so it makes it very difficult to balance it all #prodchat
  93. A3. I remember growing up, my parents thought me not to call, text or email anyone after 8pm, nowadays people don’t care. #prodchat
  94. And, I would argue, knowing you both, you’re both Super Women without the need of a syndrome! @michgunn @profkrg #prodchat
  95. @rsidneysmith Took some adjusting for my productivity. But now I’m back in the saddle again. (another old school saying) #prodchat
  96. @MCTheWriter I get texts about kids’ sports late at night. So rude. We’d better be good friends if you text me after 9 p.m. #prodchat
  97. Ray, thanks for the caps on the questions… I keep missing them and then I can easily find it in the thread… just sayin’ :) #prodchat
  98. @MCTheWriter That’s so true! I never thought about that, Myrlande. I still adhere to those rubriks. #prodchat
  99. @MCTheWriter That’s so true! I never thought about that, Myrlande. I still adhere to those rubriks. #prodchat
  100. @MCTheWriter That drives me nuts! Don’t call before 9 am and after 9 pm for me.#prodchat
  101. @MCTheWriter That drives me nuts! Don’t call before 9 am and after 9 pm for me.#prodchat
  102. @MCTheWriter That drives me nuts! Don’t call before 9 am and after 9 pm for me.#prodchat
  103. @rsidneysmith @MCTheWriter I wondered if this still existed. I was taught never to call anyone after 9 p.m. #prodchat
  104. @rsidneysmith @MCTheWriter I wondered if this still existed. I was taught never to call anyone after 9 p.m. #prodchat
  105. @kelseymcf Do you think it’s changing, especially leveling the field for women? cc @profkrg (I hope so.) #prodchat
  106. The next Productivity Book Group is this May 11 at noon ET! Join us as we discuss more Ready for Anything!  http://goo.gl/1HHv3 prodchat
  107. @rsidneysmith @kelseymcf I’m not sure if it’s changing. I want women to be able to do whatever THEY WANT. The last part is key. #prodchat
  108. A3: I also think it’s tough being in a 24-7, global society now…today I Skype’d all day…and spoke to people in 3 time zones. #prodchat
  109. @profkrg @rsidneysmith @MCTheWriter I’m a night owl, so much more concerned w/ early morning calls, but late calls still annoying. #prodchat
  110. Sorry guys I have to run, time to wrap it up and head home for the night #prodchat
  111. @profkrg Understood. It’s like my Revised Golden Rule: do unto others as they ask to be done unto them. #prodchat
  112. @kelseymcf me too! You’re a workaholic! I guess you and I both. The minute I receive them, I reply right back. #prodchat
  113. ditto! RT @profkrg: RT @jodiacampbell: @MCTheWriter That drives me nuts! Dont call before 9 am and after 9 pm for me. #prodchat
  114. I like that. RE @rsidneysmith: Understood. It’s like my Revised Golden Rule: do unto others as they ask to be done unto them. #prodchat
  115. and this is a problem RT @rsidneysmith: A3b: I think society has made workaholicism look like a talent not a disorder. #prodchat
  116. @rsidneysmith slowly. As younger generations are raised more equally, it will be easier to accept not being Super Woman #prodchat
  117. @profkrg I agree! I wish the society knows that. People don’t care about when to call or text nowadays. #prodchat
  118. G’night Jim. RT @jjmccullen: Sorry guys I have to run, time to wrap it up and head home for the night #prodchat
  119. @profkrg if you take the Broom and the Cape I don’t think qualify as SuperWoman ;) #prodchat
  120. RT @kelseymcf: Slowly. As younger generations are raised more equally, it will be easier to accept not being Super Woman #prodchat
  121. @apinaud If I need the broom and the cape, you’d better not jack with me. And, hello to you too, Augusto. ;) #prodchat
  122. I too grew up w/ the “don’t call at night,” but since being in college, it’s completely changed & I’m guilty of emailing past 9 :/ #prodchat
  123. @kelseymcf The email thing doesn’t bother me because it doesn’t wake me up. :) #prodchat
  124. A3 I think society (work culture) is to be “on” 24/7/365. I can’t remember the last time I had a vacation where I didn’t work! #prodchat
  125. @jodiacampbell Jodi, you’d be surprised how the “standard” makes your days more fulfilling yet not necessary physically tiring. :) #prodchat
  126. Q4: HOW DO YOU DECIDE TYPICALLY WHEN TO WORK MORE, OR LESS? #prodchat
  127. Q4: HOW DO YOU DECIDE TYPICALLY WHEN TO WORK MORE, OR LESS? #prodchat
  128. Q4: HOW DO YOU DECIDE TYPICALLY WHEN TO WORK MORE, OR LESS? #prodchat
  129. @kelseymcf Emails aren’t so bad, but, as a professor, I get annoyed when I see students email me at 2:00 a.m. It’s unneccessary. #prodchat
  130. @kelseymcf Don’t worry, Kelsey. Like some of us, age will catch up with you and you’ll turn the phone off at night too! ;-) #prodchat
  131. A4 And it’s current culture to answer email as if it were IM’ing. But you can chose to break outside the norm. Won’t kill anyone. #prodchat
  132. @profkrg Sadly, I haven’t yet, but I’m planning to soon. I skimmed three chapters at an airport a few weeks ago. Have you? #prodchat
  133. @jodiacampbell I won’t email professors too late because my mom was a teacher & parents would email at all hours. Lesson learned! #prodchat
  134. MT @michgunn: A4 And its current culture to answer email as if it were IMing. But you can chose to break outside the norm. #prodchat
  135. A4: Academia occurs in peaks and valleys. I work more during peaks. #prodchat
  136. @michgunn That’s made a huge difference in my life – only checking emails at certain times. Annoyed it soo so long to learn that. #prodchat
  137. A4: I also work more when I’ve accomplished a flow state, which is why I’m still at the office now. #prodchat
  138. A4: I decide to typically work more when more exciting things are coming my way, or when other pressures are applied. #prodchat
  139. @jodiacampbell @michgunn Checking emails only at certain times is super difficult for me. It’s a habit. #prodchat
  140. @rsidneysmith I have. I’ll review it soon. I had mixed feelings. #prodchat
  141. A4 Since I will work all the time, I decided based on Family Time. If I am happy & fulfilled on that side work in general is fine #prodchat
  142. A5: I tend to work less when I feel like overwhelm is creeping into the “daily modus operandus” for me…not good. #prodchat
  143. A4: I work constantly. I’m a social media coordinator so I’m constantly monitoring our client’s social media outlets #prodchat
  144. @profkrg Yes, like @michgunn, I check email a few times per day and the habit is soooo worth it. #prodchat
  145. @kelseymcf Good for you! It just looks bad. I confess I write emails late, but I use Boomerang to schedule them to send later. #prodchat
  146. Woooo! Time for you to hit home. It’s almost 9… That’s not healthy! “@profkrg: A4: #prodchat
  147. MT @apinaud: A4 Since I will work all the time, I decided on Family Time. If I am happy & fulfilled there work in general is fine #prodchat
  148. @MCTheWriter It’s only 7:30 here. Plus I’m not holding off until 8 so I can pick up the kiddo from youth group on the way home. #prodchat
  149. @jodiacampbell @kelseymcf wow! I never thought of that. So it allow you to send them like the next day?! And you can program it? #prodchat
  150. @jodiacampbell Luv Boomerang! It’s the greatest plugin for Gmail (besides MailFred) that I use! :-) #prodchat
  151. A4 I work constantly, whether it’s dissertation or teaching or my pt job. It feels like nonstop lately and I need to change. #prodchat
  152. Hi #prodchat! A little late to the party, but wow, what a great conversation!!
  153. @degconsulting Hey, Dan! Great to see you on the chat! It’s never too late…always something good going on! Jump right in! #prodchat
  154. Hi all! New comer here, thought the chat started at 6pm PST! I must be off today #prodchat
  155. @MCTheWriter basically! You can pick when to send it and re-send if you don’t get a reply. It’s pretty great #prodchat
  156. @MCTheWriter basically! You can pick when to send it and re-send if you don’t get a reply. It’s pretty great #prodchat
  157. @jodiacampbell If you feel like the work is nonstop, you do need a change. Semester almost over? #prodchat
  158. @MCTheWriter @kelseymcf Yes and it’s genius! Next day, next week, next month. It’s just a Gmail plugin and is very easy to use. #prodchat
  159. @jodiacampbell Try to carve Good Family Time. Work the rest. That way you will feel good about it #prodchat
  160. Ugh. I used to send emails at 4am. Yes from the office… Some clients called me out on it. (Half expected a job offer ;) ) #prodchat
  161. @degconsulting You can scroll back and see the prior questions…Q5 is coming out in three minutes as well. :-) #prodchat
  162. A1: Work/life balance = boundaries in which we establish for ourselves. Understanding how to pause & reflect! #prodchat
  163. @michgunn Interesting. I never look at when someone sends an email. #prodchat
  164. Hey, Dan! RT @degconsulting: Hi #prodchat! A little late to the party, but wow, what a great conversation!! #prodchat
  165. @DerekTac Welcome, Derek! Chat starts at 8pm ET so that’s 5pm PT. Enjoy the chat! #prodchat
  166. RT @degconsulting: A1: Work/life balance = boundaries in which we establish for ourselves. Understanding how to pause & reflect! #prodchat
  167. @degconsulting That’s great…it’s like the “pause and plan” technique for stopping flight-or-fight response. :-) #neuroscience #prodchat
  168. Hey Derek! RT @DerekTac: Hi all! New comer here, thought the chat started at 6pm PST! I must be off today #prodchat
  169. @tburgess57 Hi, Todd. Welcome! We’re talking about work/life balance. #prodchat
  170. A1: The key is to being productive is to remember to be with the ones we love and not with work! That’s balance. #prodchat
  171. @profkrg Final exams end Friday and I can’t wait (except that I don’t have more teaching lined up). #prodchat
  172. A1: The less I work, the faster I work. Mysterious…. I know… #prodchat
  173. @jodiacampbell It allows you to make email go away and come back to your inbox when you want it to. :-) #mailfred #prodchat
  174. @tburgess57 Welcome, Todd! We’re on Q5, but feel free to go back and answer any prior Qs. :-) #prodchat
  175. Q2: Work/life balance can be tough, but if we establish boundaries and compartmentalize, it can be easier! #prodchat
  176. How lucky! Then you’re good.. “@profkrg: @MCTheWriter Plus now my husband has to cook dinner. ;) #prodchat
  177. @profkrg It’s not just the teaching. It’s trying to write, job search, grant apps, conference proposals, etc. You know, the usual. #prodchat
  178. Q5: DOES WORKING FOR YOURSELF CREATE MORE LIFE-WORK IMBALANCE? OR, IS PLAYING FIELD LEVEL? #productivity #prodchat
  179. Q5: DOES WORKING FOR YOURSELF CREATE MORE LIFE-WORK IMBALANCE? OR, IS PLAYING FIELD LEVEL? #productivity #prodchat
  180. Q5: DOES WORKING FOR YOURSELF CREATE MORE LIFE-WORK IMBALANCE? OR, IS PLAYING FIELD LEVEL? #productivity #prodchat
  181. RT @degconsulting: A1: The key is to being productive is to remember to be with the ones we love and not with work! Thats balance. #prodchat
  182. RT @degconsulting: A1: Work/life balance = boundaries in which we establish for ourselves. Understanding how to pause & reflect! #prodchat
  183. Q2: Have an “always on” & “always there” mentality can be tough. Remember to literally turn off the device and be present/mindful. #prodchat
  184. I was a PM and Director of Operations… on overdrive. Not anymore. ;) RT @kelseymcf: @michgunn 4 am?! Wow! What do you do? #prodchat
  185. @jodiacampbell Just remember, you can only do some much in a day. What’s the most important to you? cc @profkrg #prodchat
  186. @apinaud I’m trying. I’m just under so much pressure (internal & external) to finish the dissertation that it’s hard to stop. #prodchat
  187. @kelseymcf I’m going to check it out… I want and need something like that. #prodchat
  188. Q3: Society says we should always be there. Reset societal expectations & you’ll provide parameters for others to follow! #prodchat
  189. @DerekTac most likely also the less useless tasks you take care of #prodchat
  190. +1 @degconsulting: A1: The key is to being productive is to remember to be with the ones we love and not with work! Thats balance. #prodchat
  191. YES!! RT @rsidneysmith: @jodiacampbell Just remember, you can only do some much in a day. Whats the most important to you? #prodchat
  192. A5: I don’t work for myself, but I have a ton of autonomy. I think it’s worse in some ways because you control your workflow. #prodchat
  193. RT @profkrg: RT @rsidneysmith: Q5: DOES WORKING FOR YOURSELF CREATE MORE LIFE-WORK IMBALANCE? OR, IS PLAYING FIELD LEVEL? #prodchat
  194. Q4: Typically dictated by the next actions involved in any given project! #prodchat
  195. How? MT @profkrg: A5: I dont work for myself, but I have a ton of autonomy. I think its worse in some ways because you control… #prodchat

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